Weekly Recap
President Bill Kelly
October 28, 2021
It was nice to see the room fill up today, with a total of 39 attendees. We had several guests visit our club today to enjoy our camaraderie and a good meal. As Halloween approaches, our costume-clad Rotarians will participate in our annual Steps for Success program tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Today we were treated to a guest speaker who provided a timely, haunting, presentation about the Santa Cruz County murders of the 1970s. It was a timely presentation, considering that Halloween is just around the corner.
Meeting Highlights
Pledge: This week, the Pledge was led by Past President Mike Sellers. Thanks, Mike for kicking off this meeting in a professional manner by directing the group to face the flag and recite the pledge. The presentation from our speaker today on criminal activity of the 1970s must have piqued your interest, and that of other Rotarians with a law enforcement background. Thanks for participating today.
Inspiration: This week, our inspiration was provided by club secretary, Heath Hanich, who addressed the group via Zoom. Heath shared a heartwarming message about the need to appreciate the valuable time we share with those for whom we love, especially our parents and senior loved ones. Using his finance background, he crunched the numbers to deduce that we have limited opportunities to interact with loved ones, and that we must recognize the need to make our limited opportunities count. Thanks, Heath for the message this week.
Wedding Anniversaries: Larry Fargher and Lois Gordon are celebrated 8 years together on October 25th this week. Happy Anniversary, Larry and Lois!
Rotary Anniversaries: Rod Stafford will celebrate his 23rd anniversary as a Rotarian tomorrow, October 29. Congratulations for another exciting Rotary year, Rod!
We Care: No new reports from Don Skinner this week, however, Easy Perez advised the club of the loss of his brother-in-law recently. Easy will be traveling to the east coast soon to be with family members. Please keep Easy’s wife Cathy and their family in your thoughts and prayers.
Upcoming events:
Steps for Success is scheduled for this afternoon from 4-6pm to set up the shoes for tomorrow’s event. Friday, October 29 from 2-6 is the actual event. If you have not signed up at the links provided below, you can still show up at the Wilson Family Resource Center either today or tomorrow. Contact Youth Services Director Dan Winter for additional details or see the links below to sign up and volunteer.
Interactor Fall Leadership Conference, November 7th from 9-3 pm at Independence High School. Adult volunteers needed. Contact President Elect Tressa Williams to register.
Rotary Day at the Earthquakes is November 7. Tom Brown advised that he is barbecuing short ribs and perhaps tri-tip for the tailgate. Tickets remain available should you like to join the fun. Email Bill Kelly for more details.
The Rotary International Foundation fundraising drive continues. Contact Sandy Allen for more details.
President’s Report:
The Rotary International Foundation fundraising drive is in full swing, with Director Sandy Allen already receiving some donations. The goal this year is for every Rotarian to participate, if possible, with a donation of at least $25. The club goal is around $6,300 total, which would be an average of $100 per member. Those who donate at the “double-sustainer” level of $200 will be eligible for the drawing of a $100 gift card at the conclusion of the fundraising drive. Checks and credit cards are accepted. Contact Sandy Allen to donate, or for more details.
President-elect Tressa Williams advised the club of the need for adult volunteers to assist at the November 7th Interactor Fall Conference, to be held at Independence High School from 9 am-3 pm. The Interactors provide a valuable service to our club and help us extend our reach in the community through their volunteer efforts. Please contact Tressa and offer a hand to support our youth.
The upcoming Steps for Success event has two opportunities for volunteers, this afternoon, October 28, and tomorrow, Friday, October 29. This event is one of the most impactful youth events in which our club participates. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
To volunteer, please click on the link below:
Thursday Set-Up https://volunteersignup.org/H37XL
Friday Event Day Volunteer: https://volunteersignup.org/JX8RC
or contact youth Services Director Dan Winter for more information. You can also just drop in and help, considering that these events are taking place very soon.
Our club Holiday dinner event is scheduled for the evening of December 16th. The club is looking to finalize the selection of our venue. Please reply to the recent email poll and provide your input regarding this event.
President-elect Nomination Committee: It’s that time of year where we select club president for the 2022-2023 Rotary year. Your input is needed to elect the committee members that select the person to fill this roll. Club secretary Heath Hanich will send an email with instructions to help choose the makeup of the nomination committee. The process will be completed by November 30, with the announcement of the newly selected President-elect Nominee at the December 16 Holiday Dinner.
Membership Plan update: On Friday October 29th, the Area Club Presidents will convene to discuss formal plans to enhance club membership. The plan for our club will be strategic in nature, followed by action plans to increase membership. Areas of focus will be on recruiting, engaging club members, and promoting our club in our community. A membership subcommittee will be formed to guide the process. If you are interested in serving the club as a member of this subcommittee, contact Bill Kelly.